3rd degree AV Block :(

Good evening Forum members, I am sitting in the AMU ward in hospital at the moment, with my phone :) feeling petrified waiting to see heart doctor in the morning.

To cut a long story short, I was put on a 24 hr ecg monitor to take home last Thursday to be returned Friday morning. Friday afternoon I received a call from my GP who said something along the lines of, your heart beat is not good, cone and collect report and go to A&E.

In A&E,I was told that suffered from 3rd degree heart block lasting 4.2 sec of many during the 24hrs and that I will need a Pacemaker.... Feeling petrified is an understatement.

I have a young family at home and am beside myself with fear of the unknown, the surgery, the future :( Seriously I have never in my life felt this scared, I am in tears regularly hear and I am sure that that is not good in itself. I started watching YouTube videos of the procedure (prob not a good idea I know), and peoples life experiences with a PM...

Finaly, something told me to google 'pacemaker club' and found this beautiful Forum...

Now I have posted my situation, I will continue reading all the posts here.... Thank you in advance for any moral boosting comments I may receive

15 Comments

Hello Hope

by IAN MC - 2014-11-02 03:11:08

3rd degree heart block isn't half as bad as it sounds and is a fairly easy fix with a pacemaker. I, too, am in the UK and was admitted to A & E, then Cardiology 3 years ago . I found that the hospital food was worse than the procedure !

Life is now totally normal

Best of luck and let us know how you get on

Ian

First time pacemaker

by Enrique - 2014-11-02 03:11:25

I was scared when they told me that I needed a PM. I was convinced that PM's were only for people that were seriously sick.
The truth is that the technology has improved lots and that now they implant PM,s not just because it may save your life, but also because it improves quality of life. Many young people have PM's and have a normal life.
I have had mine for 10 years now. It has worked very well, I rarely think that I have it.
Everything will be OK. All the best

It will be ok!

by lplatt - 2014-11-02 03:11:54

I also had 3rd degree heart block and had to have a pacemaker in an emergency situation. I had no idea that anything was wrong with my heart before this happened. It was very scary and fast. That was 3 years ago and everything is good.
It is shocking to find out that you are not as healthy as you thought! But try not to worry. It is really a very simple procedure and after a few weeks you will probably feel MUCH better!
The emotional side is probably more difficult to deal with than the medical.
I hope you can relax, have the procedure, go home and enjoy your family and realize that you are much safer with the pacemaker!
Good luck!!
lp

I got mine with no notice, too

by SaraTB - 2014-11-02 03:11:59

I had a procedure to try and stop my tachycardia, which ended up damaging my AV node, putting me into heart block, and I got to go home a day late, with a PM. I was 42, and as shocked and stunned as you sound.

I promise your life won't change that much: I do all the same things I always did, take no medications, and mostly (now) forget I even have the thing.

First things first: I found the lack of information to be the worst thing: use the internet, especially this site, to educate yourself - and then your family - on heart block, and pacemakers. I found my biggest issue, after my own shock, was dealing with my family treating me like glass, afraid I would break. Once I was in a position to reassure them, it got a lot easier to deal with.

There really is practically nothing we can't do, with a PM: maybe certain types of welding, but I stand in front of microwave ovens, keep my mobile in my pocket, or clamped under my ear. I rest my Kindle on my chest. I've even used a chainsaw. The more you read here, the more you'll come to trust your PM.

Bear in mind that when it is first implanted, it will be set to factory default settings: only once you've had it a few weeks, can your doctors and technicians see what adjustments are needed. It can take several visits, and several adjustments to get it to feel 'just right' for YOU, so don't be afraid to persevere, and question the settings.

Most people have the idea that PMs are for the elderly, but the more humans learn about cardiology, the more it's been understood how much younger patients can be helped too. We have members here who've had PMs since they were infants; who got one in their teens, their 20s, every age in fact.

Please know that you've found a very supportive website: we've all been in the same position of shock and puzzlement and worry, and there are some very smart people here. We don't mind answering any questions, as you go along: we've all asked them at times, so don't be afraid!

Hang in there - it WILL get better. Let us know how you're doing, and how you're feeling.
Sara (A Brit, but living in the US)

Take a deep breath...

by Grateful Heart - 2014-11-02 04:11:50


You are where you need to be and you are being taken care of for now. Try and find some comfort in that. I know it's scary.

Read and educate yourself from this site while you are sitting in the hospital. Stay away from YouTube for now. You can look at a procedure after the fact when you are ready.....not right now.

After educating yourself, you can educate your friends and family too. You will be ok. Remember, you are getting the help you need.

Grateful Heart

Thank you

by Hope33 - 2014-11-02 04:11:59

Thank you thank you thank you ALL for taking the time to reply to my post...Your msgs HAVE made me feel that much better than earlier and again I thank for it...

I do more relaxed after reading this, and many other posts on this site. One thing is for sure, when I am through this I will, I will actively support any new comers as best I can.

A couple of quick questions please....


1- I am sure that some of the 3rd degree AV blocks I have experienced (feeling something odd in my chest lasting 3/4 seconds, light headed/dizzy followed by 3/4 heavy pumps of the heart before I return to normal) are down to swallowing food. Not always but I'm nearly certain that there is a link their. But then again, the 24hr monitor I had at home showed AV block occurring at 4 in the morning i certainly wasn't eating at 4 in the morning so maybe that's just a regular coincidence.. Has anyone linked the two before?

2- I am currently watching my ECG monitor and my heart beat averages 65/75 bpm. However, A couple of times today when I have been relaxed, day dreaming, The ECG monitor flashed RED and omitted an alarm, bpm was between 48/55 bpm. I didn't feel anything negative nor did the nurses come running in.... Will the PM kick in if I am relaxed with a bpm as above..?

3- When a PM kicks in what does it feel like please..?

Thank you all and yes Ian, Hospital food is still totally naff!

Cheers

Finally, sorry about this marathon post, but one last qu, when the doc guides the wires through to the the heart, what does THAT feel like..? Can they sedate during procedure...? I'll shut up now, thanks a million folks

PM kicks in

by Theknotguy - 2014-11-02 05:11:20

Your question about what it feels like when the PM kicks in is hard to answer. Most of the people with a PM never feel it, don't know that it is working, and go about their daily lives.

A few people - I'm one of them - have extra nerve endings in their circulatory system. Consequently we "feel" more than others, especially in the heart and circulatory system. You will see posts on this forum about others who "feel" stuff and question what is going on. However, as I said, most don't feel a thing.

It's very hard for me to describe how it "feels". It's somewhere between a tickle and a poke. I can feel the PM kick in, can tell how my heart reacts and know what is going on. This isn't all the time though.

Right after I got the PM they had the voltage set at a higher rate for about the first two months. I'd get the poke/tickle and know the PM kicked in, then would get the "thump" when the heart reacted. I'd go on coughing jags because I'd be expecting my irregular heartbeat and the PM would kick in - so I'd start coughing. That lasted for the two months until they dropped the voltage.

Now, a year out, I get an occasional twinge and know it's the PM doing its work. I don't view it as a problem, in fact, I am rather happy to know the PM is working. Especially since my other option is being dead. So we've (the PM and I) have a nice relationship. It works, I'm happy.

Rather than worrying about how you will feel, concentrate on living your life. It's a lot better than being dead.

Oh, and as far as a quick change in your life, I was walking down the pet trail with two dogs. Not a care in the world. Was thinking about the conference I was going to in a week and a half. Next thing I knew they were waking me up from a six day coma. Surprise! You're in the hospital! Surprise, you've been out for six days! Surprise, you've got a PM. How's that for a life changing event?

Like I said, concentrate on living your life. There were times I thought I'd never make it here and I'm over a year out now. Crossed a few items off my bucket list (and my spouse's bucket list) because I found out you don't take it with you. That's after I found out that by the time they got me to the hospital I was nekked. They cut off all my clothes (including the shoes) in the ambulance. Of course I was too gone to know that but still, when I found out it really makes you stop and think.

There are quite a few people who can give you a lot of life experiences on this forum. I've learned more here than from the medical people - and the medical people should have know better. So feel free to come back often - we help you - you help us.

Oh, and most of the time, I don't even know the PM is working. So it isn't worth your time worrying about how it will feel.

There's a lot of living to do. Go out and do it!

Hope for Hope

by sunshine - 2014-11-03 11:11:13

Yes, it can be scary. Or the other side - not knowing what is going on and with NO knowledge of anything they were telling me..... Had the surgery the same time I was to be on a plane to a meeting - the thot of what MIGHT have happened.... But it didn't. Thru a fluke (went to ER for another unrelated problem) they saw I had a low heartbeat - during the night it was in the low 30s upper 20s and kept the nurses up all night with the alarm. That was 3 months ago - I'm still learning to live with it, to be pro-active with my doctors, all new and so far, all very responsive, and take charge of MY health. Doctors are there to advise and guide but remember it is YOUR body and it talks to you and do listen. I've had 2 bad reactions to medications, all because the doctors didn't track the symptoms and the meds. I had to discover those on my own. Now, however, my PCP is very up on it and aware and questioning everything that happens. Find someone who will work with you and you'll be fine. Best wishes to you and your family. Every day is a good one, not great (with 3 little ones, whew) but good. Enjoy and love each one of them.

3rd degree heart block club

by TickTock-UK - 2014-11-05 07:11:40


Hi Hope,

Now that you have joined us in the 3rd degree heart block club, how is everything going??
Hope you are feeling ok now... I am also in the UK and never had any hospital food yuck, I had it brought in for me.
Perhaps you will come back and tell us how it all went..
I have had mine nearly 3 years.
Strange why we feel "Strange" at 4am I still wake up at 2 4 and 5am most days with a fast heart rate, have now found out I have a bad dreams and this is what wakes me. It only lasts about a minute or two...
Anyway hope you are feeling better.

Len

Only 4 Seconds, pffft!

by Xxmikexx - 2014-11-05 10:11:59

No, just kidding with you. I got the shock exactly like you did...put on a monitor and holly cow! I can send the strips here if you want to see...I had 3rd degree hb for up to 15 seconds multiple times a night. I was in denial...asked for a sleep study. The technicians there freaked out as I stopped 4 times during the one night study. I was still in denial and asked the doc for a week to soul search and look for home remedies, herbs, anything but a pace maker. I am 45 with a young family...three kids under 10. Needless to say I got to pick my pacemaker...make and model based off of my choice, not the ep. I was having panick attackes, moments of crying and felt lost... and just plain feeling like a nutcase from the time I learned about the heart block up to the implant date. To cope, I recognized the fact that holy cow...my heart is stopping for a loooong time and I had other symptoms that were extreme...and I focused on that. And then I focused on my kids. The choice was clear. No more denial...and I got the pm installed last Friday. Glad I did. I feel better even as I am still recovering. I have the strips showing the pm is stopping the heart block and that gave me great peace. Im not walking around dizzy all the time. I have breath. I even bugged my cardiologist about the pm settings and he let me pick them. Go read my cool story about the doc, you will appreciate it. Regarding the procedure...seriously..don't sweat it. I wish i hadn't lost so much sleep over that. It wasnt as bad as my head told me it would be. Hug your wife and kids. Let them in on the experience...hold nothing back, they can take it. My family is incredible in the support they are showing. You aren't alone, ever. The emotions will continue as you heal...don't fight them, they are your friend...and I had to be reminded of all this in shreds I posted just like yours. No, you are not alone. Hit the shred as you recover...gonna be a great conversation.

can I join too?

by lolasmummy - 2014-11-06 05:11:38

New here and another 3rd degree heat blocker. I'm 41 and also have a young family (4 and 8yrs). Got a phone call from cardiology when I was home alone with the kids telling me to get to hospital immediately as they'd just examined my 3 day ecg and I needed to be on a monitor til they could get a pacemaker in. Was incredibly scary. My husband works away so my parents had to come and take the kids.
It was a relief to get a diagnosis as I had fainted while driving in early September but had never expected this.
Pacemaker had been in about 2 and a half weeks. Still feel the flutter I used to feel before a dizzy spell but no longer get the dizzy spell so I guess it's doing its job.
Hope you're doing ok and not quite so scared now xxx

Still Waiting. ALOT Calmer thanks to you :)

by Hope33 - 2014-11-07 07:11:28

Hey folks and thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart. Why did i just laugh when i wrote that? Anyway, i sincerely thank you all for sharing your experiences with me/us.

I have been transferred to another ward where the card-Doc said we are waiting for a slot to become available in the Heart Hospital. He said he could fit the pacemaker here today but would rather wait for me to have a MRI scan done First, with a dye injected into me among other drugs (speed up, slow down heart rate) to check other things.... He said it might happen this week or next.... So for the time being im just stuck here waiting. I am still having random episodes of AV Heart Block lasting around 4 secs (15secs!!! Bloody hell mate, i would have freeked!!)... However, i can accurately predict when it is going happen, for example, in the next 15 minutes when i am halfway through this beautiful dish of Steamed Fish in Parsley Sauce served with Mash potato with carrot and swede mash hmmm... The best dish by far IMHO ;) Should of tried one Lee/Len! :)

has anyone else noticed a link between Swallowing food and having an Episode?

Cheers Guys
off to my meal... :)

Thank you

Mmmmmm

by IAN MC - 2014-11-07 09:11:50

Steamed fish and parsley sauce !!! I'm eating out with friends tonight , maybe we will book a table for 6 in your ward !

I can't think why swallowing food should set off an episode; maybe it is because it is impossible to breathe in while you are swallowing ? try experimenting; hold your breath and see if that has the same effect. I know that when I was having cardiac pauses I had an automatic response to breathe in deeply through my nose ; for some reason that seemed to kick my sinus node back into action maybe swallowing food has the opposite effect but I'm just guessing !

Best of luck with the scan and implant

Ian

IN THE SAME BOAT

by merrilee - 2014-11-08 05:11:22

I was just told by my doctor this past wednesday. That i have 4-5 secs with no heart beat. Was told I need a 3rd lead added to my pacemaker. Said my pacemaker is set up for the 3rd lead already. Totally freaking out!
Need to have the 3 lead put in. Waiting to hear if I need to do it right away or if it can wait unitl the new year. By the symptoms I have a doubt it can wait.
was told I will have 2 incisions one where the pacemaker is now in my abdomin and the other in my chest to attached the lead. All my other leads are on the outside of my heart because they were placed druning my last open heart surgery. I can't stop thinking about the upcomming surgery. I am totally obsessed with it. And even the slight mention of it and I'm in tears. I ve been thru alot several open heart surgerys to fix a defect i was born with and now this. I do everything right exercise everything and still bam... something always goes wrong. I wish I had a crystal ball to tell me everything is going to be fine. Please let me know how you make out. I hate hospitals or as I call it Jail. So not looking forward to it. Good luck please keep us posted.

The food thing

by Helmut - 2014-11-22 08:11:53

I've also had the food thing. Sometimes after swallowing some food I get this dizziness/presyncopie feeling. As yourself, I have an intermittent 3rd degree AV block, with symptomatic daytime pauses up to five seconds, and got my first pacemaker a couple of days ago. I have asked doctors about the swallowing food issue, and searched the internet, but without ever finding or receiving a very convincing answer. Some say it's just because of muscle involvment in the stomach requiring more blood after swallowing food, and somewhere I read it's because you tickle the vagus-nerve (I seem to remember former president Bush having publicly passed out at some point, allegedly for this reason)

You know you're wired when...

You can feel your fingers and toes again.

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